Lifestyle Solutions for a Happy Healthy You!

Posts tagged ‘Drugs’

Maybe the pharmacy doesn’t have to be the first place you stop when you’re feeling down-in-the-dumps. A big helping of cashews may be just the ticket when you’ve got a mild case of the blues.

What makes cashews so powerful? Tryptophan. That’s right; tryptophan isn’t just in your holiday turkey. One serving of cashews contains 28% of our RDA of the essential amino acid. Tryptophan is actually a precursor to serotonin. When serotonin levels are low, anxiety and depression can set in. The body uses tryptophan to produce serotonin in the brain, so 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cashews can actually help your body boost its stores. In fact, about 1/2 cup of cashews contains around 500 mg of tryptophan, which is justified as a therapeutic amount for mood elevation. Just don’t start eating 1/2 cup of cashews every day as, although they are healthy, they are nutritionally dense in calories.

Cashews aren’t a miracle food, however. It is still important to reduce stress, get moderate exercise, and consume a healthy diet to get the one-up on depression. Stress may be the most significant factor, as cortisol can prevent tryptophan from being converted in the body. So, be sure to practice meditation, yoga, or positive self talk with those cashews, and be sure to always consult a trusted doctor for anything occurring chronically.

What’s often overlooked, however, is that nutrition and depression are inextricably linked. If you are feeling blue, it may be a good idea to get tested for dietary deficiencies before popping pills. Other great foods loaded with tryptophan, if you are adverse to cashews, are pumpkin seeds and beans. But, with B6, magnesium, and tryptophan, cashews are veritable depression busters. Keeping some on hand in your freezer for a quick and delicious boost or to combat the winter doldrums is an excellent idea.

Jordyn is a choreographer, freelance writer, and an avid outdoors woman. Having received her B.F.A. in Contemporary Dance from the Boston Conservatory, she is passionate about maintaining a healthy body, mind, and soul through food and fitness. A lover of adventure, Jordyn can often be found hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, and making herself at home in the backcountry!

Overwhelmed with choosing the best products for their body, home, and office.

Unsatisfied with their relationships with the men and women in their life and are ready to transform them into satisfying, happy partnerships.

Standing at a Career Crossroad.

Preparing to start a family and want a healthy baby.

Seeking solutions for aging, more energy, and a good night’s sleep!

Are any of these an issue or problem for you? Would it make sense for us to spend several minutes together to discuss your needs and how HealthyHighway can meet them?As a Healthy Lifestyle Coach with an emphasis on allergies and wellness, Leesa teaches her clients to make informed choices and enables them to make needed changes for a Happy Healthy Lifestyle. What you eat, what products you use ~ on your body and in your home and office, how you talk to yourself ~ it all matters!

From wrinkle creams to cosmetic surgeries, diet pills to hair dye, Americans’ penchant for products that mask the effects of getting old is downright voracious. The effectiveness of these products varies, but there are some tried and true ways to look and feel younger that don’t involve any scalpels, needles or chemical infusions.

Volunteer: Based on an analysis of the results of 73 separate studies, new research published in the journal “Psychological Bulletin” argues that aging adults who volunteer experience enhanced physical and mental wellbeing. Serving others in their community helped seniors stave off symptoms of depression, develop stronger social ties and was associated with increased longevity.

Break a sweat: Physical disuse is the number one thing that amps up the aging process, according to Larry Matson, Ed.D., co-author of “Live Young, Think Young, Be Young…At Any Age.” That doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym every day (though that probably won’t hurt). Simple changes, such as paying attention to your posture or picking up your walking speed—Matson suggests striding as though you’re late for a meeting—can make a big difference. Learn How to Stay Motivated At The Gym.

Put out that cigarette: Smoking’s link to heart disease and cancer is no secret, but a recent study conducted on twins found that the faces of people who puff are more likely to display the physical signs of aging, including wrinkling (especially around the lips), sagging jowls and upper eyelids, bags under the eyes, and more visible lines around the nose and mouth.

Adjust your attitude: “Most people underestimate the effect of the mind, but research in this area is very powerful,” Matson says. For individuals who tend to see the world in a gloomier light, developing a more balanced, optimistic outlook can offer significant health benefits.

Minimize chemical exposure: Chemicals, both dangerous and benign, are everywhere in our daily lives. While there’s no getting around the car exhaust and other pollution in the outside world, you can take steps at home to reduce your toxic chemical exposure, such as investing in a water filter, cutting down on your use of aerosol cleaning products and being cognizant of the chemicals in your food and beauty products.

Drink responsibly: The research surrounding the potential health benefits of alcohol is conflicting, but moderation appears to be essential when it comes to reaping these potential benefits. Women in particular should aim for imbibing no more than two drinks in a single day.

Reconsider certain prescriptions: Many aging adults take a plethora of daily medications. This widespread polypharmacy can have serious health consequences. A new study found that many medications taken by older adults can significantly increase a person’s risk for falling, and the potential for adverse drug interactions increases with every added prescription.

Eat healthy: Despite the rise of complex fad diets, the central concepts of healthy eating are relatively simple: fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. If portion control is a problem, Matson says to remember the rule of halves; half of the pleasure of eating happens in the first bite and is reduced by half with each subsequent mouthful.

Exercise your mind: As with physical exercise, mental exercise is essential to staving off the effects of aging. “As we get older, we just don’t realize how much less we use our mind,” Matson says, “We get zoned into a particular job task and get good at it, but we don’t use other parts of our brain.” Maintaining mental fitness requires more than a daily Sudoku. Check out these 8 Ways To Keep Your Brain Sharp.

By Aging Care

AgingCare.com connects family caregivers and provides support, resources, expert advice and senior housing options for people caring for their elderly parents. AgingCare.com is a trusted resource that visitors rely on every day to find inspiration, make informed decisions, and ease the stress of caregiving.

Overwhelmed with choosing the best products for their body, home, and office.

Unsatisfied with their relationships with the men and women in their life and are ready to transform them into satisfying, happy partnerships.

Standing at a Career Crossroad.

Preparing to start a family and want a healthy baby.

Seeking solutions for aging, more energy, and a good night’s sleep!

Are any of these an issue or problem for you? Would it make sense for us to spend several minutes together to discuss your needs and how HealthyHighway can meet them?As a Healthy Lifestyle Coach with an emphasis on allergies and wellness, Leesa teaches her clients to make informed choices and enables them to make needed changes for a Happy Healthy Lifestyle. What you eat, what products you use ~ on your body and in your home and office, how you talk to yourself ~ it all matters!

Can you eat your way to a better mood? More and more scientific research is saying so. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is important for your general health, so why should it be any different for your mental health? From depression-fighting seeds to anxiety-zapping greens, read about the best nutrients for your mood.

1. Sesame Seeds.

Good things come in small packages. The unassuming sesame seed is loaded with mood-boosting nutrients. Sesame seeds are on of the best vegetarian sources of zinc, a mineral that has been linked to depression and anxiety. One study found that zinc treatment lowered the depression and anger levels of young women. Other studies have suggested using the mineral as a treatment for depression.

2. Chocolate.

A few bites of real, dark chocolate each day will help your mood and your tastebuds! Studies have suggested that dark chocolate reduces the level of cortisol, a stress hormone, in your body; it may also relieve anxiety. Leesa recommends 85% organic dark chocolate from Vivani!

As if you needed another reason to love spinach! This leafy green is loaded with all sorts of mood-boosting nutrients, from depression-fighting folates (more on that later) to anxiety-easing magnesium. Spinach also contains plenty of zinc — studies have shown that, the less zinc you have in your body, the more likely you are to be depressed.

4. Yogurt.

Yogurt is an excellent vegetarian source of vitamin B12, a vital nutrient for the formation of red blood cells. For reasons scientists aren’t exactly clear on yet, B vitamins seem to play a vital role in our mental health. Vitamin B12 deficiencies in particular have been linked to high rates of depression, and studies have suggested that strong intake of the vitamin may improve depression treatment outcomes. If your body doesn’t get enough of the stuff, it can actually lead to serious mental health issues. Because plants cannot make Vitamin B12, your best sources for the stuff are dairy products, eggs, seafood, and meat. Vegans and older adults are especially at risk of a Vitamin B12 deficiency, and may want to talk with their doctors about supplements or fortified foods.

5. Lentils.

Lentils, along with other foods rich in folic acid, are a key nutrient for treating depression. Like it’s B vitamin cousin, vitamin B12, plenty of research has linked low levels of folic acid to depression. It’s also thought that high levels of the vitamin will actually help anti-depressants work more effectively. Healthy carbs help boost serotonin levels.

The countries with the lowest rates of depression tend to have one thing in common: they also eat the most fish. Scientists think this is because fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that these polysaturated fats can improve your mood, and help treat depression and postpartum depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Though fish is probably your best source of omega-3 fatty acids, most healthy people can get all of it they need from flaxseeds and flaxseed oil. You can also check out supplements or sea vegetables if you are a vegan or a vegetarian.

Excellent Health is found along your journey and not just at your destination. Would it make sense for us to spend several minutes together to discuss your Health Issues or Problems and how HealthyHighway can help YOU Live YOUR Optimum Life? Please complete the information on our Contact Us page to schedule your consultation today! I look forward to helping YOU Live YOUR Optimum Life!

Lifestyle Solutions for a Happy Healthy You!

Each person is unique and deserves a personalized approach when it comes to living healthy. What you eat, what products you use ~ on your body, in your home and office, how you talk to yourself ~ it all matters! Don't live in Atlanta? No problem. We do virtual coaching worldwide!
I look forward to helping YOU Live a Happy Healthy Life!
Leesa A. Wheeler, CNHP, CHS, CMSAT, CIC
Healthy Lifestyle Coach, Author of two books...
Live Well... Lifestyle Solutions for a Happy Healthy You!
Melodies from Within
Available on Amazon, BarnesandNoble,GooglePlay, iTunes!